The British Broadcasting Corporation launches a new documentary show called Africa Eye. The investigative series features an in-depth probe into the plague of addiction to cough mixture in Nigeria.

The first episode, a co-production between Africa Eye and BBC Pidgin, takes a look at the cough syrup industry to reveal how the addictive cough syrup is being sneaked out of pharmaceutical companies into the black market.

By undertaking an undercover investigation, Africa Eye will reveal senior figures in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry who are moving their legally produced products via the back door of their factories and into the hands of drug dealers, who sell the dangerously addictive, sweet tasting opioid.

Adejuwon Soyinka, Editor of the BBC Pidgin went undercover and afterward exclaimed at how much of an epidemic cough syrup abuse has become in Nigeria. “Equally shocking is the sheer size of criminal network involved in the illicit trade,” he added.

According to a recent Nigerian government report, three million bottles are drunk every day in Nigeria’s north alone.

According to Nisha Kapur, Commissioning Editor For TV, Africa Eye will promote culture of investigative journalism across Africa and strengthen the skills of African investigative journalists.

The new TV investigations feature will deliver up to 20 original and high-impact investigations from across Africa every year.